California Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. The LA County Sheriff issues permits to county residents under shall-issue rules following Bruen and SB-2, with sensitive-place limits applied countywide.
Carrying a concealed handgun anywhere in LA County requires a California CCW under Penal Code section 26150. The LA County Sheriff is the issuing authority for residents of unincorporated areas and most contract cities, while Long Beach, Pasadena, and a few others run their own permit programs. After the 2022 Bruen decision and California SB-2 (2024), permits issue on a shall-issue basis to applicants who pass background checks, complete 16+ hours of training, and meet character review. Penal Code section 26230 bars carry in schools, hospitals, parks, government buildings, public transit, and stadiums, even with a permit.
Carrying concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 25400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines, charged as a felony when loaded or with prior convictions on record.
See how El Monte's concealed carry rules stack up against other locations.
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